2019 NFL Draft: First-round re-draft where Patriots and Steelers grab QBs
21. player. 49. Safety. Maryland. Darnell Savage Jr. . Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
Original pick: Darnell Savage Jr., Safety, Maryland
Many people questioned this pick by the Green Bay Packers when it happened in 2019. Darnell Savage Jr. wasn’t a fixture in the first round of mock drafts leading up to the draft so it was a bit surprising to hear his name called so early.
Savage proved the doubters wrong, having a great rookie season as the starting strong safety for the Packers in all 18 games he ended up playing (missed two games due to injury). Over the course of the year, Savage racked up 55 total tackles (42 solo), five passes defended, two forced fumbles and two interceptions. He proved to be a force in the run game and in coverage and will be a big part of the Green Bay secondary going forward.
Scouting Report. Alabama. 22. 54. Pick Analysis. Running Back. Josh Jacobs. player
Original pick: Andre Dillard, Offensive Tackle, Washington State
This was a tough spot to redraft for the Philadelphia Eagles. There are quite a few options with this pick. Obviously, after watching the 2019 season a cornerback would be optimal, but there really aren’t any great options in this draft class. With so many wide receivers already going in this first round, and with the 2020 NFL Draft being so deep at wide receiver and offensive tackle, Philly will go a different direction here.
The Eagles own rookie running back, Miles Sanders, ended up having a very good year for the team. He thrives as a receiver and has great big-play potential. And although he improved over the course of the season as a between-the-tackles runner, there appears to be a better option on the board.
The only running back actually taken in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft was former Alabama back Josh Jacobs, who was selected 24th overall by the Raiders. In just 13 games, the rookie ran for 1,150 yards and seven touchdowns.
Rushing for 1,000 yards is a great accomplishment for any running back. For a rookie to do it and to do it in just 13 games? Very impressive. Jacobs wasn’t used all that much at Alabama, so he should still have a ton left in his tank. And with such an impressive rookie campaign, the sky is the limit for Jacobs.